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Leigh RMI vs. Blyth Spartans preview

By Matt Lawton April 24 2008
Saturday afternoon sees the end of an era at Hilton Park as Leigh RMI bid farewell to the Blue Square North with their final fixture at the famous old ground ahead of the move to their dazzling new stadium at the Leigh Sports Village from next season.

Steve Bleasdale's side, already consigned to UniBond Premier League football at their new home next season, go in to the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Lancastrian rivals Southport on Tuesday evening, though that was certainly no embarrassment against a side in the driving seat to claim a play-off spot and capable of producing the sort of quality football that conjured up two terrific first half goals at Haig Avenue.

Leigh welcome their North East visitors in the knowledge that a victory over the Spartans, as was achieved under the stewardship of Stuart Humphreys last season, coupled with a Vauxhall Motors defeat at Southport, will see the Railwaymen climb from the bottom of the league table and finish in twenty first position, something that may appear minor to some people but would be a huge confidence boost for the club and eliminate the stigma of being officially classed as the worst side in the league for the current season.

With the likes of James Dunn, Richard Chetcuti and Mark Smyth all making their return from injury in recent weeks, Bleasdale's striking options have increased hugely, particularly with the impressive recent form of Gavin Salmon, though on-loan Northwich striker Cayne Hanley missed out on the squad altogether at Southport on Tuesday evening.

Bleasdale's only serious injury worry concerns centre back Paul Booth, who missed Tuesday's defeat at picking up an injury in the 1-0 weekend home defeat to Worcester City, though that opened the door for Matt Lawlor, on-loan from Championship side Blackpool, return to the side alongside skipper Rob Marsh-Evans at the heart of the Leigh defence.

The sides last met in October 2007 at Croft Park when two set pieces condemned Steve Bleasdale to his first defeat in his second spell as RMI manager, while Blyth's visit to Hilton Park last season saw a hat trick from striker Chris Simm, now with league rivals Hyde United, seal a euphoric 3-1 victory for Leigh.

Blyth's last outing saw them lose 3-2 at Boston United and leave them in nineteenth position in the league, though safe for another season after Hucknall Town were relegated in the weekend; Blyth's survival bid significantly boosted by a terrific 6-0 home win over Worcester a fortnight ago.

The game represents a historic occasion for the club as they look to the future of their new stadium, with a big crowd expected as a result of reduced admission prices that see adults able to gain admission for £7, students and over 65's for £4 while under 16's can witness a piece of history for just £1.

 

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